Joan Brown Cox

On December 31, 2022, Joan Brown Cox passed away peacefully at age 86 in Mesa, AZ. Joan was the wife of Ed Cox and mother to four children with her first husband Edwin Crockett: Bonnie Drain (Garth), Brian Crockett (Cindy), Christine Porter (Tim), and Tara Sundberg (Carl), as well as 17 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. She adored her husband, was engaging, outgoing, and had a fighting spirit that was both fun and furious.

Joan grew up in Provo, Utah (among gifted storytellers, musicians, and creative artists) but made homes in Murray/SLC, Utah; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Mesa, Arizona. In New Mexico she co-owned clothing stores, Peter Polly and Arden’s Dress Shop and exercised her creative skills in the world of fashion. She developed talents for display and selling as she co-managed the stores. She held many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and helped stage many musical productions and recitals. She proudly served as Pilot Club President and fostered dear friendships with all those she worked with. She cared deeply about Mormon history and was never afraid to challenge any majority, forever eager to take up an argument in search of historical truths. Above all, she was a natural storyteller. However, in later years ‘the truth’ became less important than the yarn as Joan played for shock, drama, and laughter.

Joan was a fierce defender of professional women, and she relished relationships with her dearest girlfriends who buoyed her through tough times. Among her greatest joys was hosting elegant holiday parties for her family, employees, and friends. With style and warmth, she amplified every occasion.

Her deep partnership with Ed Cox meant the most to her. Together they traveled broadly and sought adventures at every turn. Always ready to host a party, Joan extended her affection to Ed’s children and grandchildren with memorable parties and events. Their love story was one for the ages as they lived hand-in-glove at every turn as natural soulmates.

In recent years Joan faced several health challenges; the family would like to thank the nursing team at Banner Hospital along side the attentive care that Ed offered lovingly and constantly. And we offer a special thank you to Buffett's Candies in Albuquerque for keeping her stocked in caramel corn.

A memorial will be held on her behalf on February 18, 2023, at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel at 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah at 1:00. The memorial will be livestreamed at https://bit.ly/3HvoKfH.